Diego Urrutia’s approach to art collecting is as distinctive as the pieces he seeks out. As an experienced advisor with years of expertise working with high-value assets, Diego has developed a clear perspective on what makes a collection meaningful. Raised across Peru, Argentina, Singapore, and London, his global upbringing has also shaped a deeply personal relationship with art—one rooted in storytelling, self-expression, and legacy. Diego doesn’t view art as a status symbol or an investment strategy but as a tangible reflection of life’s most meaningful connections.

This philosophy has guided Diego in building his own collection, one that surprises and inspires. He approaches collecting with the belief that the art you choose should be as much about who you are as it is about the piece itself. “A great work of art doesn’t just look good,” he says. “It pulls you in. It stops you in your tracks and stays with you.”

Art That Moves You

Walking into a gallery, Diego doesn’t look for pieces that fit a particular mold. Instead, he searches for something that evokes a visceral response—a painting, sculpture, or photograph that draws him in and sparks curiosity. This instinct has led him to curate a collection that feels eclectic but personal.

Diego often reflects on the importance of tuning out external noise in the search for meaningful art. Trends, expert opinions, and practical considerations like matching a piece to a room all take a backseat to the emotional connection. “If it speaks to you, you’ll find a place for it,” he explains. The core idea behind Diego’s art collecting method is simple: love the piece.

Breaking Rules to Define Style

A common question among collectors is how to create a cohesive collection when each piece is chosen for its personal meaning. Diego’s answer is that it doesn’t need to feel cohesive. He dismisses the idea of rigid guidelines, instead believing that art is one of the few areas where breaking conventions often leads to incredible results. He encourages mixing eras, styles, and mediums to create contrast and intrigue. A bold modern piece can highlight the elegance of a classical antique, while a minimalist work might gain depth next to something ornate and textured.

Making a Statement

Diego gravitates toward bold, large-scale works, which he believes have the power to transform a space and command attention. A well-placed, oversized work can change the feel of an entire room, turning it into a conversation piece and a constant source of inspiration. For Diego, art transcends decoration—it’s meant to be admired and remembered.

Advice for Aspiring Collectors

Diego’s passion for art extends beyond his own collection—he also has a deep enthusiasm for helping others discover the joy of art collecting. He recommends that collectors reassess their pieces every few years, letting go of any that no longer resonate and reinvesting in works that better reflect their current vision. This ongoing process allows collectors to be constantly engaged with their collection, creating space for new inspiration and allowing it to evolve alongside their changing perspectives. Diego emphasizes that a collection should never feel static; it should grow and adapt over time.

Another tip he shares is to be creative and flexible with framing. By purchasing unframed art, collectors can tailor the presentation to suit the piece and its environment. This approach allows collectors to adapt as their spaces—and their collections—change over time.

Art as Legacy

Diego’s perspective on art extends beyond aesthetics and even beyond the present. He views art as a way to create a lasting legacy – a tangible reflection of one’s values, stories, and passions. A thoughtfully curated collection can endure for generations, becoming an important piece of family history and memory. For Diego, this is the ultimate goal of collecting—not only to enjoy the art but to pass on something meaningful.

Diego Urrutia’s philosophy brings clarity to the often intimidating world of art collecting, making it feel accessible to anyone with a willingness to explore and trust their instincts. His simple rules – love what you choose, take risks, and continuously evolve – offer a perspective that resonates in a field sometimes bound by convention.